KEITH CURLE PRAISES PLAYERS FOR EXECUTING GAME PLAN

Cobblers boss Keith Curle praised the way the players carried out the game plan as he reflected on Saturday’s hard fought home win over promotion rivals Forest Green Rovers.

“We set ourselves up to be an ugly team to play against which isn’t always ideal when you are the home side because you want to entertain and play attacking football but we were respectful of the opposition,” he said.

“We needed to make it a scruffy encounter and our game plan worked today. We knew we would be a physical threat from set pieces and we showed a good willingness and desire to stop Forest Green from playing.

“We are turning this place in to a bit of a fortress and that’s not just by our performances, it’s the supporters as well. The noise coming from the stands is inspiring the players and it is giving them that extra yard and that belief.

“The supporters are getting that bond with the players and that is vital. My relationship with the supporters is growing as well and I feel I’m starting to get that trust and belief from them.

“I think the supporters understand what we are trying to do, we’ve had two very competitive games against Exeter and Forest Green and that’s another building block for us. I’m enjoying the fact the changing room is accepting the challenges we are setting them week in week out and they aren’t shying away from the demands we place on them.

“With Alan McCormack I didn’t want to risk him today, he wanted to play but I need him fit and available over the Christmas period. We showed today we can win without him and that is important."